Question

During thunderstorm formation, a lot of energy builds up in cumulonimbus clouds because some processes that help form the cloud and that occur within the cloud give off energy.

What process helps build up energy in cumulonimbus clouds?

Water droplets freeze in the cumulonimbus clouds.
Warm air sinks as the cumulonimbus clouds form.
Warm, moist air mass collides with a cold, dry air mass.
Ice crystals in the upper atmosphere melt.

Answer 1

Water droplets freeze in the cumulonimbus clouds.

When droplets freeze they release latent heat, warming the surrounding air and helping power the storm. (Melting would absorb heat; warm air rises rather than sinks; air-mass collisions can trigger storms but don’t release latent heat inside the cloud.)